Actually, the update to macOS 14.4, which Apple made available to Mac users last week, would be a “no brainer”: It brings some smaller new functions such as fresh emojis and improved mobile device management (MDM), but primarily fixes them There are also serious security gaps that should not be left open. The problem: Users have discovered a whole series of bugs and problems in the latest Sonoma update that could prevent them from updating. Accordingly, users have to think carefully about how they should proceed – important work processes may be affected. An overview.
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USB-C-Hubs, Drucker, Java
The first area of concern is support for USB-C hubs. After installing macOS 14.4, it can happen that devices that are integrated into screens no longer work as intended – for example keyboards, mice or trackpads connected to them. Sometimes it helps to change the settings in the Data Protection & Accessories area, but there is no real workaround (other than using the accessories via alternative means such as Bluetooth).
Apple has also made changes to printer support in macOS 14.4. This causes some HP devices to suddenly stop working. It would be conceivable that there could be collisions with MDM software or virus protection programs. Sometimes giving drivers full disk access in security settings seems to help.
One of the most annoying problems with macOS 14.4 is consistent crashes in Java applications. These even affect the latest JDK and – according to Oracle – can only be fixed by Apple itself. Unfortunately, the bug complex was only discovered at the time of release, so Apple will hopefully provide an update soon.
Audio-Unit-Plug-ins, iCloud Drive
Other as yet unresolved problems with macOS 14.4 concern various audio unit plug-ins that are protected by PACE's iLok copy protection. These include popular sound changers like those from Universal Audio. So far there is only one workaround here: you should run the iLok license manager in Rosetta mode before adapting it to macOS 14.4. The use of the audio unit plug-ins in Apple's Digital Audio Workstation Logic Pro is affected.
Finally, macOS 14.4 also changes the behavior of files stored in iCloud Drive. If these are removed from the Mac to save storage space – which can also happen automatically – the old versions are suddenly completely gone after a new download. The problem has already been reported to Apple; When it will be fixed is unclear. As a workaround, you should ensure that the original files are always retained on the Mac.
(bsc)